Spending time outside is great for one’s health; the fresh air clears the mind, and the sunshine provides necessary vitamin D for the body. For children, outdoor time is even more vital. In addition to, vitamin D production, playing outside aids with brain development, a stronger immune system, and cultivating a love for nature [1].
Outdoors and Sunshine
All these factors are fantastic for a child’s development, however prolonged sun exposure is a concern for many parents. These worries are well-founded; children have more sensitive skin due to less melanin. This means they are more likely to get sunburned, which damages their skin and takes a longer time to recover, and in some cases never recover. In 2018, a survey found that 80% of sun-related damages [to the epidermal layer] occur before the age of 18 [2], which indicates parents are not always certain of the best way to protect their kids from UV rays.
A parent’s number one priority is always the health and safety of their child. Considering that the risk of skin cancer increases dramatically if a child gets a sunburn [3], parents naturally want to minimize their child’s exposure to the sun. However, a dilemma arises if the only perceived way to protect their children is by keeping them indoors all the time; something no parent wants to do, especially during a warm summer. Fortunately, there are alternatives to just hiding from the sun.
A Solution
Sunscreen is one of the more obvious solutions, but it is fickle since individuals often tend to not apply the correct amount. Also, often many forget to reapply, or realize how quickly it can wash off when playing in the water. Spending time in the shade will help prevent sunburns too! However, it can be difficult to spend the entire time staying in the shade. Indoor activities are also a great alternative yet again tend to not to hold little one’s attention for an entire day; let alone several days in a row. The best solution would be a mix of all of these, some indoor play, staying in the shade, and lots of sunscreen. To solve the knowing when to reapply issue, UV indicators are the answer.
UV indicators are an easy to use method of understanding when to reapply sunscreen, and when to head inside for the day. Considering that 25% of parents apply sunscreen on their children once a day [4] UV indicators, are a useful reminder on when to reapply. It also teaches children the importance of protecting their skin and taking responsibility at a young age. Having a UV indicator which tracks both UVA and UVB radiation is essential for protecting one’s skin.
Frequently, UV indicators are considered as only a beach device, but they shouldn’t be limited to this category. In fact, these are not just for beach days, or summer, but for anytime spent outside. UV rays exist all year long and can penetrate even light cloud coverage and thinner fabrics. Therefore, a combination of precautions should be taken to protect children’s skin. It’s a better way to ensure everyone can fully enjoy their time outdoors without the worry of sunburns.
References
[1] Harvard Medical School, 2018 Study on Childhood Development
